Safety Awareness in Metro Science Labs

Students should never be in the lab unsupervised. If the teacher needs to leave the lab you should stop working until they return For safety and security concerns labs will be locked when not in use

NO food or drinks are allowed in the labs The use of chemicals and biological microorganisms is not a safe environment for things the students might be eating or drinking. This includes instructors and students.

No students in the prep areas Please do not enter the prep room areas. These are work areas for faculty and lab assts. If you need a teacher or lab asst. please knock.

Accidents Inform your instructor of any and all accidents no matter what. They will help you determine what action to take.

Posted Emergency Phone Numbers Emergency phone numbers are posted in both the lab and lecture room Usually cell phones are also available. Should you use a cell phone or a land line to call 911 if needed.

Exits from Lab We are here! N

Fires

If you do have a fire inform your instructor immediately Small fires can be smothered with a watch glass or other non -flammable lid. For a large fire pull the fire alarm A fire blanket and extinguishers are in the lab

Fire Blanket & Fire Extinguisher

PASS – Pull the Pin, Aim, Squeeze the handle, Sweep

Chemicals in the Lab Some may be corrosive, flammable, irritants or may cause another type of hazard Do not contaminate bottles of chemicals

Chemical Disposal Correct disposal directions will be provided by your instructor Always ask – just don’t dump chemicals down the drain.

Spill Kits

Mercury Spill Kit

MSDS Sheets = Material Safety Data Sheets = give complete info about all chemicals = need to be in a location that is always accessible

Fume or Exhaust Hoods Ductless Hoods

Fume or Exhaust Hoods Ducted Hoods

Disposal of broken glass Inform your instructor if you break a piece of glassware. They will assist in cleaning it up. All broken glass goes in the “Glass Disposal” boxes located in the labs. NEVER put broken glass in the trash cans.

Broken Glass boxes are available

Biohazard Disposal and Bodily Fluid Spills

Wear goggles! Eyes can be damaged by Particle impact Damaging radiation Liquid contact Can happen in any class – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Science

Care of goggles Goggles should be clean when you take them from the cabinet. Clean the lenses w/lens wipes only Clean the plastic part that sets against your face w/an alcohol wipr

This could be you!

Safety Shower & Eye Wash Station

Something to ponder… “You can eat with false teeth You can dance with a wood leg BUT You can not see with a glass eye.”

Appropriate attire must be worn No open-toed shoes or bare midriffs Must wear socks w/open healed shoes Sleeves should be pushed up or snug around the wrist (nylon melts) Protective clothing (lab coats & aprons are available)

Lab Coats, Aprons, Latex or Non-Latex Gloves

6. Keep hair tied back Hair burns Hair could get tangled in lab apparatus (i.e. physics)

Emergency Shut Offs For Gas – under sink of instructors desk at front of the room For Gas & Electric – Red button in main hall

First Aid Kit

Gas and Electric Supply Shut Offs These will be different for each lab setting There is usually a main shut off button (which shuts off gas AND electricity to the labs) AND/OR there may also be a shut off where the main gas line comes into the lab like under one of the main sinks or hoods.

“Cleanliness is next to Godliness” Clean up your glassware at the end of lab Once glassware is removed from the shelves for use during a lab, it should NOT be returned to the shelves It should be rinsed and placed in the drying area Lab staff will re-shelve the glassware

Let’s Review

What about this situation?